Search form

You are here

Local History Research at Neenah Public Library

The Neenah Public Library can assist you with your genealogical research. The Library has local newspapers on microfilm for most years dating back to 1856. City directory coverage for Neenah and Menasha dates back to 1900. The library also has directories for the cities of Oshkosh and Appleton and the counties of Winnebago and Outagamie. The library has most phone books for Neenah-Menasha area from 1924 to present. Please call the library to inquire about a specific year. The library recently purchased the Federal Census microfilm for Winnebago County covering the years 1840-1880 and 1900-1920. In addition the library owns local and state histories. If we do not have a particular book or resource that is needed for your research we may be able to obtain it for you through our Interlibrary Loan service. If you have any questions regarding our collection or if you have a search request you may contact us at (920) 886-6315. Copies are 25 cents per page plus postage.

If you prefer to write, our address is:

Neenah Public Library

P.O. Box 569

Neenah, WI 54957-0569

You may also contact us by E-mailListed below are some of the resources available to you at the Neenah Public Library.

Listed below are some of the resources available to you at the Neenah Public Library.

Ancestry Library Edition (available at the library only)

Heritage Quest

Find ancestors and relatives in the U.S. Federal Census from 1790-1880, 1900-1930 and find information on people and places described in over 25,000 family and local histories. A valid Neenah Public Library card is needed to use Heritage Quest outside of the library.

Neenah Public Library Digital Collection

The Neenah Public Library’s digital collection presents the history of Neenah primarily from the early 1800’s to the 1950’s. The two Neenah histories highlight the development and important events of Neenah from pre-settlement to the late 1950’s. The 1920 and 1924 directories provide valuable information to genealogists, while the searchable photograph collection captures life in the Neenah area from the mid-1800’s to the 1950’s. Neenah’s digital collection will be of use to local historians, students, genealogists, and anyone interested in the history of Neenah!

Federal Census

The Federal Census can provide valuable information for the genealogical researcher. For information on what type of data is provided on the various Census Records see Census Records from the National Archives and Records Administration. The 1890 census for most of the United States including Wisconsin is not available due to a fire that destroyed most of the records.

The Neenah Public Library has the following federal Census Records for Winnebago County:

The Neenah Public Library also provides vital records indexes on microfiche. The indexes are from the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services.

BIRTH INDEX MICROFICHE

Pre-1907 Alphabetical Index

Pre-1907 Chronological Index

DEATH INDEX MICROFICHE

Pre-1907 Alphabetical

1959-1979 Alphabetical

1979-1997 Alphabetical

MARRIAGE INDEX MICROFICHE (Adams through Price County)

Pre-1907 Alphabetical

1973-1978 Groom

1979-1997 Groom

1973-1978 Bride

1979-1997 Bride

DIVORCE INDEX MICROFICHE

1965-1984 Alphabetical

Cemetery Records

Oak Hill Cemetery Burial Records Searchable online database provided by the City of Neenah. The Oak Hill Cemetery is owned and maintained by the City of Neenah since 1848.

St. Patrick's Historic Cemetery. Martin, Sylvia Shea., St. Patrick's Parish, 1997.This source indexes information from stones, monuments and markers at the St. Patrick's Cemetery in the Town of Menasha.Local Hist 929.5 Sa24

County Histories

History of Winnebago County, Wisconsin, and Early History of the Northwest. Harney, Richard J., 1880.Local Hist 977.564 H22The History of Winnebago County & the Fox River Valley, 1541-1877. Thwaites, Reuben Gold., The County, 1984.Local Hist 977.56 T428hHistory, Winnebago County, Wisconsin: its Cities, Towns, Resources, People. Lawson, Publius V., 1908.Local Hist 977.564 L44, 2vols.In This Century: a History of Winnebago County in the 20th Century. Engel, Dave., New Past Press, 1998.977.564 In1 and Local Hist

Regional Histories

History of Northern Wisconsin, Containing an Account of its Settlement, Growth, Development, and Resources. Western Historical Company, 1881.Local Hist 977.5 W52History of the Fox River Valley, Lake Winnebago , and the Green Bay Region. Titus, William A., S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1930.977.56 H629, 3 vols., and Local HistThe Winnebago-Horicon Basin: a Type Study in Western History. Schafer, Joseph., State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1937.Local Hist 977.56 Sch1w

Neenah High School Yearbooks

Neenah High School Yearbooks are located in the Local History Room, under the call number Local Hist 370 R591. The library has the following years: 1919-1920, 1922, 1930, 1932, 1937-2014.

Research Guide

A Research Guide to Winnebago County, Wisconsin. Protz, Ruth Liskow., Winnebagoland Genealogical Society, Rev. ed., 1998.This is a very helpful research tool you may wish to consult before you begin your genealogical research in Winnebago County. Local Hist 929.3 P948r